Whether it is to show your devotion to Thor or represent your spiritual beliefs, Norse symbols offer many choices for tattooing yourself with something meaningful and/or representing an aspect of yourself that needs expressing. Some should be avoided altogether, such as Ouroboros and Troll Cross, which should not be depicted.
Tattoos that should not be considered include Valknut, Yggdrasil, and the triskelion designs. These tattoos have taken on meanings different than intended and may now be associated with Neo-Nazi or white supremacist groups.
Valknut
Odin or one of his Valkyries used the Valknut in Norse mythology to select Viking warriors for Valhalla as a symbol of power, strength, and courage. People often get Tattoos of valknuts to remember loved ones who have passed on, while others believe it symbolizes reincarnation.
Svefnthorn
Sleep Thorn is a powerful runic symbol that could put someone deep asleep for extended periods. In its appearance in the sagas, its depiction may resemble four harpoons or small spears, or sometimes it takes the form of an ascending vertical line with diamond shapes on either end that represents the combination of runic letters Ingwaz and Isaz.
Sun Cross
The sun cross, also called a wheel cross or Odin’s cross, is a variation on the Celtic cross often used as an emblem to represent Odin as the god of thunder and lightning. The Sun Cross is an ancient symbol frequently utilized by Pagan, Viking, and Nordic groups and white supremacists. It holds various meanings for various cultures worldwide.
Nidhogg
Nidhogg is a serpent dragon who symbolizes the dark side of Viking culture. He represents dishonor and villainy and can often be found gnawing at the roots of Yggdrasil, the world tree. Yggdrasil, in Norse mythology, is home to nine realms – Asgard, Midgard, and Helheim are among them – but the most notorious is Helheim, as it serves as the realm of death where murderers, adulterers, and oath breakers reside after they die.
Frost Giant
Frost Giants reside in the Arctic Tundra and Glaciers. While their home of choice tends to be castles or caves, Frost Giants are very social creatures with a rigid hierarchy – often keeping pets such as Polar Bears and Winter Wolves for company. Jotuns (formerly Jotunheimers) are residents of Jotunheim in Jotunwald. Ruled by Laufey – Loki’s actual biological father – they appear as massive lumbering hulks with white skin, blue-white or yellow hair, and similar-colored eyes.
Gullinbursti
Gullinbursti is the golden boar of Freyr’s god, which represents wealth, prosperity, and good luck. People named Gullinbursti tend to be family-oriented individuals who love helping those close to them without expecting anything in return. Furthermore, these individuals typically possess creative, solid talent. Gullinbursti was made by Brokk and Sindri of Dwarven origin and is considered one of the three greatest treasures they gave Odin, along with Draupnir and Mjolnir.
Sleipnir
Sleipnir, Odin’s beloved horse, is often seen as a powerful symbol. This spirit animal represents travel, new perspectives, and initiatory experiences; it corresponds with the Sagittarius zodiac sign and the Centaur constellation. Sleipnir stands on eight legs representing all directions in the world and thus allows him to carry souls across the Nine Realms.
Odin
Odin Tattoos can symbolize wisdom, altruism, and connection to nature. His body parts include ravens and wolves. Additionally, his spear, Gungnir, is said to contain runic symbols engraved into its blade. A berserker is an individual from a hunting cult who hunts in an almost trance-like state with primal fury. Tattooing your body with one can symbolize this primal fury within yourself. Mjolnir, Thor’s magical hammer, can represent protection and guidance as an additional way of showing this.
Tyr
Symbols such as the Valknut are frequently associated with power and war; unfortunately, these symbols have been taken up by right-wing groups and used to promote hatred and racism. Tyr Tattoos represent honor and courage. Tyr is one of the Jotnar, alongside Odin and Freyja, representing powerful spirits not afraid to challenge authority figures.
Freyja
Freyja is known as the goddess of fertility, joy, and celebration. Additionally, she is widely recognized as an adept magic-user and a graceful shapeshifter. Freyja was married to Odin and is considered the patron goddess of women. Her name derives from the Proto-Germanic Freyja, meaning “lady.” Freyja is also associated with cats, falcons, and rabbits. Valknut Tattoos symbolize the afterlife and can be an excellent way to commemorate loved ones who have passed. Many also enjoy its nod towards Norse beliefs, such as the nine realms encircling Yggdrasil: the World Tree.
